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Britain

The latest breaking news and stories on the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland (UK), a constitutional monarchy in northern Europe which includes England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, and the world’s sixth largest economy. Also covering the UK’s relationship with the European Union (EU) post Brexit, as well as with China, plus commentary and updates on the UK’s economy, politics, society and social issues.

Capital

London

Head of State

King Charles III

Head of Government

Prime Minister Keir Starmer

The tanker Callisto sits anchored in Port Sultan Qaboos in Muscat, Oman, on March 12 as traffic through the Strait of Hormuz almost stalls, amid the U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran. Photo: Reuters

Middle East

Letters | Strait of Hormuz is Iran’s trump card

Readers discuss Iran’s best weapon in negotiations, and how the leaders of China and the US can change the course of events in the Middle East.

2 hours ago

Human rights

Scottish lawmakers reject bill to let terminally ill people end their lives

6 hours ago

Ukraine war

Zelensky, Starmer urge support for Ukraine as Iran conflict steals focus

18 Mar 2026 - 5:43AMvideocam

Crime

Northern Ireland’s Gerry Adams tells bombings trial he was never in IRA

The ex-Sinn Fein leader is being sued in a civil case at London’s High Court by 3 people injured in UK bombings during the 1970s and 1990s.

18 Mar 2026 - 1:55AM

Former Sinn Fein President Gerry Adams arrives at the Royal Courts of Justice in central London on Tuesday. Photo: PA Wire / dpa

US, Israel war on Iran

Military escort for tankers in Strait of Hormuz not long-term fix: IMO head

The UN organisation head said an international naval operation, as suggested by Trump, would not be sustainable.

17 Mar 2026 - 5:17PMvideocam

Hong Kong politics

Hong Kong cannot extradite Tates without UK or Romania requests, lawmakers say

Videos show Andrew and Tristan Tate surrounded by crowds in Lan Kwai Fong, where onlookers are seen taking photographs and selfies with the influencers.

17 Mar 2026 - 8:30AMvideocam

US-China relations

China ‘in communication’ with US after Trump seeks to delay trip by a month

Neither US president nor China’s foreign ministry can confirm timing of trip after Trump says he wants a delay ‘because of the war’.

17 Mar 2026 - 10:56PMvideocam

Talks between US President Donald Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping in Beijing had been scheduled for March 31 to April 2. Photo: AFP

Ukraine war

Zelensky to visit UK as Starmer says it is ‘vital’ to support Ukraine

‘We cannot allow the war in the Gulf to turn into a windfall for Putin,’ Starmer said ahead of Tuesday’s meeting in London.

17 Mar 2026 - 2:24AM

Donald Trump

BBC asks US court to dismiss Trump’s US$10 billion lawsuit

Documentary was ‘never aired in Florida – or the US’, the British broadcaster said, adding it was challenging the court’s jurisdiction.

17 Mar 2026 - 1:12PM

Crime

‘Evil’ UK nursery worker who raped toddlers in his care jailed for 24 years

The recent cases of child sex abuse have prompted the UK prime minister to consider making security cameras mandatory in nurseries.

16 Mar 2026 - 10:33PM

A young child huddles against a wall. Nathan Bennett sexually abused five boys at the nursery where he worked. Photo: Shutterstock

Hong Kong property

Hong Kong businessman expected to take loss on Peak sites he bought for US$255m

Tender for three Peak Road lots follows sale by Chan King-wai’s family of another Peak property last year at estimated 56 per cent loss.

16 Mar 2026 - 7:58PM

The sites at 86, 88 and 90 Peak Road sold in 2017 for about US$255 million. Photo: Google Map

China consumption

How record F1 crowds are accelerating Shanghai’s bid to be a global sports hub

Setting a near 20-year attendance record, this year’s race strengthened the city’s case as global event venue – and China’s efforts to spur consumption.

16 Mar 2026 - 5:16PM

US, Israel war on Iran

Trump warns he ‘may delay’ China visit in demand for countries to secure Hormuz

Some allies say no to ships, after US president demands at least seven countries help secure the strategic waterway.

16 Mar 2026 - 6:46PMvideocam

105

Israel-Iran conflict

Police arrest 12 as hundreds join banned pro-Palestinian march in London

Interior Minister Shabana Mahmood agreed to ban the march after police said it was organised by a group ‘supportive of the Iranian regime’.

16 Mar 2026 - 3:43AM

Police arrest a protester for not removing a face covering during a protest held by pro-Palestinian group Al-Quds in central London on Sunday. Photo: AFP

Hong Kong society

Influencer Andrew Tate, facing rape charges in 2 countries, parties in Hong Kong

Andrew and Tristan Tate, who are facing rape and human‑trafficking charges in Romania and UK, visit Lan Kwai Fong and restaurant in Causeway Bay.

16 Mar 2026 - 10:20PMvideocam

A screengrab from a video clip Andrew Tate posted shows him singing alongside a dozen Asian women. Photo: X / Andrew Tate

Fame and celebrity

Meet Eddie Burns, Olivia Dean’s rumoured boyfriend

The Chicago native, who has worked with indie singer Clairo, keeps his romantic life private, although the pair was seen in matching outfits at Wimbledon.

15 Mar 2026 - 6:00PM

China-EU relations

Tariffs and distrust: EU’s bid to ditch China hits capacity problems

‘Thinly spread’ bloc seeks this week to thrash out memorandum on critical minerals with the US, eyeing a more formal instrument down the road.

15 Mar 2026 - 6:15PMvideocam

Asean

Southeast Asia’s scam compound survivors suffer in stigma and silence

Many survivors return home to inhabit a murky space between victim and offender, with few support services to help them reintegrate.

15 Mar 2026 - 8:00AMvideocam

Detained scam centre workers are seen after a raid on a compound in Myanmar’s eastern Myawaddy township last year. Photo: AFP

US, Israel war on Iran

Iran war: Trump urges China, other nations, to send warships to secure Hormuz

The president insisted that Iran’s military capability had been eliminated but admitted it was still able to attack the strait.

15 Mar 2026 - 6:04AM

120

Hong Kong

My Take | Mandelson scandal could be the tipping point that costs Starmer his job

Episode has cost China not only a British politician prepared to work for better ties but also potentially a prime minister willing to do business with it.

14 Mar 2026 - 10:16PM

UK economy

UK eyes ‘targeted’ support for households amid rising energy costs

Finance chief Rachel Reeves says there are plans to help those vulnerable to sharp rises in energy prices, especially those who rely on heating oil.

14 Mar 2026 - 8:35PMvideocam

Cars refuel at a BP petrol station in London, Britain, on Tuesday. Global oil prices have risen sharply amid the conflict ⁠in the Middle East. Photo: EPA

China travel

Here are 5 ways to enter China without a visa – by land, sea or air

China has continually expanded its visa-free policies in recent years. Here is a breakdown of the latest rules.

14 Mar 2026 - 4:00PM

A police officer helps an American tourist fill out an entry registration card at Beijing Capital International Airport. Photo: Xinhua

Jeffrey Epstein

UK’s ex-prince Andrew and Peter Mandelson pictured in bathrobes with Epstein

This is thought to be the first photo unearthed of the two men with the late US sex trafficker.

14 Mar 2026 - 5:45AM

Science

Deadly strike on Iran primary school raises questions about AI use in war

While cutting-edge technologies process vast amounts of data, human decisions remain the focal point when systems fail, observers say.

13 Mar 2026 - 10:00PMvideocam

US, Israel war on Iran

UK says Russia, Iran trying to ‘hijack global economy’ amid Hormuz closure

Foreign Secretary Cooper said Moscow and Tehran ‘benefit together’ from soaring oil prices.

13 Mar 2026 - 8:34PMvideocam

Oil tankers and cargo ships line up in the Strait of Hormuz as seen from Khor Fakkan, United Arab Emirates, on Wednesday. Photo: AP

Crime

‘The Witch’: British mum who kept woman as ‘house slave’ for 25 years is jailed

The victim, who has a learning disability, was deprived of food, forced to do manual labour and assaulted by Amanda Wixon, the court heard.

13 Mar 2026 - 2:27AM

Amanda Wixon, 56, of Tewkesbury in England, was jailed for 13 years on Thursday for forcing a woman with a learning disability to work as a “house slave” for more than 25 years. Photo: Gloucestershire Constabulary

Keir Starmer

UK PM Starmer admits his ‘mistake’ in appointing Mandelson as US ambassador

Starmer faces fresh questions about his judgment over the appointment despite being warned of Mandelson’s relationship with Jeffrey Epstein.

13 Mar 2026 - 2:36AM

Science

Israel’s 90 nuclear warheads make any strike on Iran ‘really dangerous’: expert

Policy head of Nobel Peace Prize-winning group sounds alarm over possible intentional or accidental use of weapons.

12 Mar 2026 - 9:11PMvideocam

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Britain

.css-19im5qg{color:#c79a00;}Letters | Strait of Hormuz is Iran’s trump card

Readers discuss Iran’s best weapon in negotiations, and how the leaders of China and the US can change the course of events in the Middle East.

Scottish lawmakers reject bill to let terminally ill people end their lives

Zelensky, Starmer urge support for Ukraine as Iran conflict steals focus

Northern Ireland’s Gerry Adams tells bombings trial he was never in IRA

The ex-Sinn Fein leader is being sued in a civil case at London’s High Court by 3 people injured in UK bombings during the 1970s and 1990s.

Military escort for tankers in Strait of Hormuz not long-term fix: IMO head

The UN organisation head said an international naval operation, as suggested by Trump, would not be sustainable.

Hong Kong cannot extradite Tates without UK or Romania requests, lawmakers say

Videos show Andrew and Tristan Tate surrounded by crowds in Lan Kwai Fong, where onlookers are seen taking photographs and selfies with the influencers.

China ‘in communication’ with US after Trump seeks to delay trip by a month

Neither US president nor China’s foreign ministry can confirm timing of trip after Trump says he wants a delay ‘because of the war’.

Zelensky to visit UK as Starmer says it is ‘vital’ to support Ukraine

‘We cannot allow the war in the Gulf to turn into a windfall for Putin,’ Starmer said ahead of Tuesday’s meeting in London.

BBC asks US court to dismiss Trump’s US$10 billion lawsuit

Documentary was ‘never aired in Florida – or the US’, the British broadcaster said, adding it was challenging the court’s jurisdiction.

‘Evil’ UK nursery worker who raped toddlers in his care jailed for 24 years

The recent cases of child sex abuse have prompted the UK prime minister to consider making security cameras mandatory in nurseries.

Hong Kong businessman expected to take loss on Peak sites he bought for US$255m

Tender for three Peak Road lots follows sale by Chan King-wai’s family of another Peak property last year at estimated 56 per cent loss.

How record F1 crowds are accelerating Shanghai’s bid to be a global sports hub

Setting a near 20-year attendance record, this year’s race strengthened the city’s case as global event venue – and China’s efforts to spur consumption.

Trump warns he ‘may delay’ China visit in demand for countries to secure Hormuz

Some allies say no to ships, after US president demands at least seven countries help secure the strategic waterway.

Police arrest 12 as hundreds join banned pro-Palestinian march in London

Interior Minister Shabana Mahmood agreed to ban the march after police said it was organised by a group ‘supportive of the Iranian regime’.

Influencer Andrew Tate, facing rape charges in 2 countries, parties in Hong Kong

Andrew and Tristan Tate, who are facing rape and human‑trafficking charges in Romania and UK, visit Lan Kwai Fong and restaurant in Causeway Bay.

Meet Eddie Burns, Olivia Dean’s rumoured boyfriend

The Chicago native, who has worked with indie singer Clairo, keeps his romantic life private, although the pair was seen in matching outfits at Wimbledon.

Tariffs and distrust: EU’s bid to ditch China hits capacity problems

‘Thinly spread’ bloc seeks this week to thrash out memorandum on critical minerals with the US, eyeing a more formal instrument down the road.

Southeast Asia’s scam compound survivors suffer in stigma and silence

Many survivors return home to inhabit a murky space between victim and offender, with few support services to help them reintegrate.

Iran war: Trump urges China, other nations, to send warships to secure Hormuz

The president insisted that Iran’s military capability had been eliminated but admitted it was still able to attack the strait.

.css-1pcrwvc{color:#2aa191;}My Take | Mandelson scandal could be the tipping point that costs Starmer his job

Episode has cost China not only a British politician prepared to work for better ties but also potentially a prime minister willing to do business with it.

UK eyes ‘targeted’ support for households amid rising energy costs

Finance chief Rachel Reeves says there are plans to help those vulnerable to sharp rises in energy prices, especially those who rely on heating oil.

Here are 5 ways to enter China without a visa – by land, sea or air

China has continually expanded its visa-free policies in recent years. Here is a breakdown of the latest rules.

UK’s ex-prince Andrew and Peter Mandelson pictured in bathrobes with Epstein

This is thought to be the first photo unearthed of the two men with the late US sex trafficker.

Deadly strike on Iran primary school raises questions about AI use in war

While cutting-edge technologies process vast amounts of data, human decisions remain the focal point when systems fail, observers say.

UK says Russia, Iran trying to ‘hijack global economy’ amid Hormuz closure

Foreign Secretary Cooper said Moscow and Tehran ‘benefit together’ from soaring oil prices.

‘The Witch’: British mum who kept woman as ‘house slave’ for 25 years is jailed

The victim, who has a learning disability, was deprived of food, forced to do manual labour and assaulted by Amanda Wixon, the court heard.

UK PM Starmer admits his ‘mistake’ in appointing Mandelson as US ambassador

Starmer faces fresh questions about his judgment over the appointment despite being warned of Mandelson’s relationship with Jeffrey Epstein.

Israel’s 90 nuclear warheads make any strike on Iran ‘really dangerous’: expert

Policy head of Nobel Peace Prize-winning group sounds alarm over possible intentional or accidental use of weapons.

Letters | Strait of Hormuz is Iran’s trump card

My Take | Mandelson scandal could be the tipping point that costs Starmer his job